This 49-year-old institution has a big wholesale operation (the kitchen’s buns are the foundation of many top Twin Cities burgers), but the retail side is a treat — literally — with a crowd-pleasing list of bars, cookies, doughnuts (including excellent Bismarcks), pastries, cakes and other temptations. 7840 5th Av. S., Bloomington, 952-881-4445, dennysbakery.com

PJ Murphy’s Bakery

Newish owners François Kiemde and Melissa Borgmann-Kiemde have reinvigorated this Capital City classic (croissants! challah!) while preserving its many traditions. Love the ever-changing “Cupcake of the Week.” 1279 Randolph Av., St. Paul, 651-699-9292, pjmurphybakery.com

The hardworking Botzet family lovingly turns out all kinds of goodies — coffee cakes, fruit and cream pies, turnovers — and really has a way with cake doughnuts and Long Johns. 2853 NE. Johnson St., Mpls., 612-789-2827, sarahjanesbakery.com